Thaioronióhte Dan David, a prominent Kanien’kehá:ka journalist who played a key role in establishing the news division of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, has passed away. He succumbed to cancer on January 12 at the age of 73, as confirmed by his sister, Marie David.
Karyn Pugliese, a host and producer at APTN and a close friend and colleague of David, described his death as a significant loss for the numerous Indigenous journalists he mentored and supported in launching their careers. Pugliese referred to him as the “father of APTN News,” emphasizing his pivotal role in shaping Indigenous journalism in Canada and challenging conventional journalistic norms.
David co-founded APTN News, initially known as InVision News, in 2000 with the aim of revolutionizing the representation of Indigenous stories in the media. His inspiration stemmed from witnessing the misrepresentation of his community, Kanehsatà:ke, by mainstream media during the Oka Crisis in the summer of 1990. The Oka Crisis, a 78-day conflict involving Kanien’kehá:ka protesters, Quebec police, the RCMP, and the army over disputed lands in Kanehsatà:ke, left a lasting impact on David’s journalistic approach.
During the Oka Crisis, when David, then reporting for CBC, was prevented from covering the events due to perceived bias, he became determined to challenge the stereotypes perpetuated by mainstream media about Indigenous communities. His passion for journalism and dedication to uncovering the truth were evident in his work and interactions with fellow journalists.
Following his experiences in South Africa, where he assisted in launching the South African Broadcasting Corporation post-apartheid, David acquired valuable skills and knowledge that he later utilized in establishing APTN’s news department. Pugliese highlighted his commitment to empowering journalists and reshaping the narrative surrounding Indigenous stories, which she believes has significantly influenced mainstream media’s approach to reporting on Indigenous issues.
David’s leadership style was characterized by empathy, humility, and a keen sense of humor. He valued every individual’s input in the newsroom and encouraged a collaborative environment where ideas were freely shared. His legacy as a mentor and advocate for Indigenous journalism continues to inspire those he worked with, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
In addition to his contributions to journalism, David held positions as the chair of diversity at Toronto Metropolitan University and as a teacher at the University of Toronto. Fondly remembered as a dedicated professional and caring individual, David’s impact on the journalism community and his commitment to fostering talent will be deeply missed.
After spending nearly five decades in the industry, David’s remarkable journey concluded with his dedication to raising funds for cancer research through biking in his final years. His sister, Marie David, shared that many have expressed their gratitude for his guidance and mentorship, underscoring the profound influence he had on those he taught and worked with.
